do something
Don't stand idle
To do something is to take action rather than remain passive or inactive.
The phrase often carries implicit urgency or criticism: Don't just stand there—do something!
It can also express vague intention: We should do something about that leak.
In relationships, doing something may be a euphemism for sexual activity.
- accomplishComplete successfully
- make it happenCause something to occur
- createCause to exist
- executeCarry out fully
- undertakeBegin a task formally
implement · engage · perform · initiate · cooperate · take action · decide · resolve · hustle · roll up sleeves · invent · effort · put in work · pursue · aspire · act · attempt · take the plunge
- fighting wordsfight me, bring it, square up, throw hands, step outside
- pleasplea, pleas, please, prayers, entreaty
do somethingdo nothing
Remain inactive deliberately
stand by · sit on one's hands · sit back · abstain · refrain
do somethingstand aside
Move out of path
let it happen · leave well enough alone · look the other way · turn a blind eye · mind one's own business
do somethingidle
Without activity or purpose
loaf · laze · waste time · twiddle one's thumbs · sit around